Ashton Villa Mansion is an immense, 3 story, palace-like mansion in Galveston, built by a wealthy hardware businessman, James Brown, who believed in showing his wealth. Built before the War Between the States, it was one of the first brick structures in Texas.

It was both Confederate and Union headquarters during the war (not at the same time, of course)

Ashton Villa is often called the "most haunted building in America." The ghost of Bettie Brown (one of James Brown's daughters) has been seen standing in the Gold Room, standing at the top of the staircase, and heard playing the piano as at one of her famous music recitals. People on tours have reported a presence joining them on the tour. A chest of drawers purchased in the Middle East stands in Bettie Brown's dayroom. It reportedly locks and unlocks spontaneously even though the key has been missing for years. Ceiling fans turn themselves on. One bed refuses to stay made. No matter how many times a day the sheets are straightened, they end up rumpled. The top of the staircase where Bettie's ghost has been seen leads to the dayroom where Bettie could go without wearing her “stays.”

Bettie Brown isn't the only ghost to haunt Ashton Villa. Ashton Villa was used as a hospital for Confederate soldiers. There are rumors of marching soldiers moving through the house and on the grounds of the large home.

On March 16, 1905, five Texas City residents met for worship and Bible study. The Rev. D.L. Griffith assisted them in founding Texas City's First Baptist Church. The Rev. W.C. Ponder served as pastor for the first decade, during which time services were held in private homes. The growing congregation met at different sites until the early 1950s, when it built a sanctuary at this site. During its first 100 years, the congregation endured the 1915 hurricane, the Great Depression and the 1947 Texas City disaster. Through hardships and hard work the church persevered, and today it continues in service to its community through a variety of programs and missions.